; Heav'n is the home of ev'ry saint Reflections for a Sabbath Evening. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."---Ps. cxix. The day of rest is nearly gone; For what is given this day of rest? With milk and honey fed; May taste the sweets of heav'nly peace, And eat celestial bread. Then, O my soul, thy God obey! Keep holy ev'ry sabbath day, And worship him in love! Then wilt thou rightly keep the rest, And rise to heav'n above. Christmas Eve. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desart a high way for your God."---Isa. c. 40. A herald voice the lonely desert cheers, Lo! from the stem of Jesse springs a rod, Justice and judgment shall his throne defend, As the good shepherd's care his flock directs, See a long train fair Salem's courts adorn! See future sons and daughters yet unborn, In crowding ranks, on every side arise, Receiving life, preparing for the skies. Christmas Day. "Behold your God."---Isa. xl. 9. 'Tis time, my soul, and more than time, A last adieu to-day. To-day the Lord of earth and skies Thy flesh and nature bore; Glory to Jesu's sacred name, Who all my sorrows bore! Yes, God who reigns in worlds of bliss, Where angels him adore, Was born and glorified in this, That I should sin no more. Thee, holy Saviour, dearest name! And while thy honours we proclaim, New Year's Eve. "We spend our years as a tale that is told."---Ps. xc. Time by moments steals away, First the hour, and then the day: Yet it soon amounts to years. But (may none of us forget) But, poor careless sinner, say, Tremble, lest, when life is past, Will you still increase the score? Spared to see another year, Warm our hearts and bless our eyes, Let our prayer thy pity move, Make this year a year of love. NEWTON. New Year's Day. "Thy years, O God, are throughout all generations." "Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thy hands." "They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; nay all of them shall wax old like a garment: as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.--- Ps. cii. O Lord, to thee our grateful song we bring, From whom our earliest, latest comforts spring, |